Stress Management Workshops for Migrant Workers in Dubai

Laxmi Parekh has been organizing mental health workshops for migrant laborers in Dubai for over two years. Recently, she began incorporating discussions about regional conflicts into her sessions.

On a recent Sunday morning, Laxmi Parekh conducted a stress management class in the cafeteria of a housing compound in Dubai. The audience consisted of painters, carpenters, and electricians. She began by asking, “Who knows what’s been going on here for the past 43 days?” Someone in the front responded, “War situation.”

Since the conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran started on February 28, Iran has launched missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 civilians and injured 230 people, according to the U.A.E.’s defense ministry. Many of the impacted individuals were migrant workers, similar to the attendees of Parekh’s workshop.

Ms. Parekh volunteers with SmartLife, a nonprofit organization that offers mental health workshops, English-speaking lessons, mentorship programs, and game nights for migrant communities in Dubai. These activities are funded by the companies employing these workers and money transfer firms.

In March, Parekh modified her sessions to address the regional conflict. She asked the group how many were afraid, addressing about 40 men from India, Pakistan, and Nepal.